Psalm 37:40 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.

NIV: The Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.

NASB: The Lord helps them and rescues them; He rescues them from the wicked and saves them, Because they take refuge in Him.

CSB: The Lord helps and delivers them; he will deliver them from the wicked and will save them because they take refuge in him.

NLT: The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him.

KJV: And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.

NKJV: And the Lord shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, And save them, Because they trust in Him.

As he closes out this psalm, David emphasizes once again that the Lord provides for those who follow Him. He saves them from evil because of their faith. David, himself, knew that this did not mean God guaranteed bliss or safety for His people, always (Psalm 3:1–2; 34:19; John 16:33). Salvation from God is primarily eternal (John 3:16–18), and that is the main focus of His people (Hebrews 11:13–16).The psalm began with an appeal to reject anxiety on account of evil people (Psalm 37:1). It ends with a celebration of how God can save those who trust in Him.

When a tempestuous wind threatened to sink the ship that was transporting Paul to Rome to stand trial, the sailors feared for their lives, but an angel of God assured Paul there would be no loss of life though the ship would be lost. Paul addressed the hopeless crew and said, "Take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told" (Acts 27:25). Hebrews 11 is replete with accounts of how men and women overcame impossible situations and intense persecution by faith.

Psalm 37:32–40 describes the actions of the wicked and the judgment they face at the hands of the Lord. It also relates what the righteous person ought to do and what the Lord will do for him. The wicked have a dreadful future, whereas the future of the righteous is one of exaltation, peace, and deliverance.

In this psalm, David contrasts the way God protects and saves His people, contrasted with the ruin which awaits the wicked. Much of this seems to be based on David's own experiences (Psalm 37:25, 35). As with many other passages in Psalms and Proverbs, this passage encourages godly wisdom. Those who reject God and His ways can expect uncertainty on earth and disaster in eternity.

Psalm 37 lies in the first division of Psalms and addresses mankind. Its tone resembles that of the book of Proverbs. The psalm dispenses wisdom about the security of the righteous man and the insecurity and fate of the wicked man. Psalms 36 and 39 also describe the insecurity and fate of the wicked. The covenant God made with Israel in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 27—30 is the basis for David's assurance that the righteous are secure. The issue of the prosperity of the wicked is also featured in Psalms 49 and 73. David most likely wrote Psalm 37 in his old age.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 11/21/2024 2:08:51 PM